Virat Kohli, who played a crucial role in the 2021 World Test Championship (WTC) as India’s captain, has announced his retirement from Test cricket. The former India skipper shared the news on Instagram, marking the end of his remarkable 14-year journey in the longest format of the game.

In an emotional post, Kohli reflected on his time in whites, saying, “It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life.”

He spoke about the uniqueness of Test cricket, calling it a “deeply personal” experience. “The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever,” he wrote. Kohli acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but said it felt like the right time to step away. “I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for.”

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli)

Expressing heartfelt gratitude, he added, “I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way.” Kohli retires with 123 Test matches, 9,230 runs, 30 centuries, and 31 half-centuries to his name a legacy that has left an indelible mark on Indian and world cricket.

ALSO READ: Virat Kohli announces retirement from Test cricket

Twitter reactions of the greatest Legends in Cricket after Kohli's retirement 

 

Can’t believe you are done. You are a modern-day GIANT and were a fantastic ambassador for Test match cricket in every way you played and captained. Thank you for the lasting memories you’ve given to everyone, and to me in particular. It’s something I will cherish for life. Go… pic.twitter.com/1te6LFGdMx

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) May 12, 2025

 

The King may sign off but his legacy won't 👑

Thank you, Virat 🐐💙 pic.twitter.com/elOvPKELkx

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) May 12, 2025

 

Farewell, Cap #269 🫡🇮🇳#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai pic.twitter.com/AJpPr2BTB7

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 12, 2025

 

March 2017, Dharamsala — you gave me my Test cap, Virat bhai. I knew you had my back from Day 1
You didn’t just lead a team, you led a mindset. With the bat, you gave us belief. Grateful to start my journey under you. Happy retirement bhai ♥️🫂 pic.twitter.com/vsLs87smQj

— Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) May 12, 2025

 

The intensity, the passion, the fight – you gave it your all, every single time! All the best for what's ahead, @imVkohli bhai.
#RP17 pic.twitter.com/jeKH5mYogS

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) May 12, 2025

 

As you retire from Tests, I'm reminded of your thoughtful gesture 12 years ago, during my last Test. You offered to gift me a thread from your late father. It was something too personal for me to accept, but the gesture was heartwarming and has stayed with me ever since. While I… pic.twitter.com/JaVzVxG0mQ

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 12, 2025

 

Thank You, Virat. #269 👑

Test Cricket will never be the same again! 🥺 pic.twitter.com/7eAYipnzp1

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 12, 2025

 

Congratulations on a phenomenal Test career, Virat Kohli.
As captain, you didn’t just win matches—you changed mindsets.
You made fitness, aggression, and pride in whites the new standard.
A true torchbearer of modern Indian Test cricket.#ThankYouVirat pic.twitter.com/rvFAulcMSQ

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 12, 2025

 

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶! 🙌

An era ends in Test cricket but the legacy will continue FOREVER! 🫡🫡@imVkohli, the former Team India Captain retires from Test cricket.

His contributions to #TeamIndia will forever be cherished! 👏 👏 pic.twitter.com/MSe5KUtjep

— BCCI (@BCCI) May 12, 2025

 

Virat?!?! 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) May 12, 2025

 

I would have liked to see #ViratKohli go out of test cricket before a packed stadium. But since that is not to be let us applaud him wherever we are. He told a generation weaned on T20 cricket that test cricket is cool and aspirational. And for that, the game owes him big time.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 12, 2025

 

Why Retired ? @imVkohli

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 12, 2025

 

Mayank Agarwal's emotional Instagram story for Virat Kohli. ❤️🥹 pic.twitter.com/PfFEpLZdfn

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) May 12, 2025

 

Congrats to my biscotti @imVkohli on an epic Test career! Your determination & skill have always inspired me. True legend! ❤️🙌🏻 #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/2DnNLRzSrI

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 12, 2025

 

Your passion & leadership in Test cricket have inspired millions, brother! Love and respect bro @imVkohli

Sad to see you step away, but your legacy will live on. 🙌 #Legend #thankyouvirat pic.twitter.com/6Ce9Z0wnPj

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) May 12, 2025

 

Whites off, crown intact 👑

Virat Kohli bids goodbye to Test cricket, leaving behind an unmatched legacy 👏

✍️: https://t.co/VjuXwUrl8P pic.twitter.com/6apbXkubQ0

— ICC (@ICC) May 12, 2025

 

All the best on your Test retirement @imVkohli While the world celebrates your cricketing brilliance and records, what I admire most is your unwavering commitment to fitness and the sacrifices you've made behind the scenes

— Sanath Jayasuriya (@Sanath07) May 12, 2025

 

I feel he at least had 3 more years in him, but his decision should be respected. Test cricket was never boring with Virat in. His presence alone brought millions of eyeballs. Once in a generation player. You will be missed @imVkohli Congratulations on a successful career 👏🏻👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/tOdzaz2wej

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) May 12, 2025